Frank Hovis Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Usual concerns about the casting but so looking forward to the remaking of this fantastic show Hit 1970s sci-fi series Blake's 7 is to make a comeback - more then 30 years after it disappeared from TV screens. A 13-part series, described as a "revolutionary reinvention" of the BBC programme, is now being developed with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell already on board. There have been attempts to rejuvenate the show in the past but they have failed to come to fruition. FremantleMedia International announced today that the series is in the pipeline with Heroes and CSI writer Joe Pokaski working on scripts. It is being developed with US cable network Syfy. The original series starred Gareth Thomas as Blake, a political dissident, although he was a regular character in only the first two of the four series. It was created by Terry Nation, a regular writer for Doctor Who who conjured up the Daleks. The new series, set in 2136, tells the story of seven criminals heading to a prison colony in space who escape and take over an alien ship. David Ellender, the CEO of FremantleMedia International said: "Blake's 7 was such a forward-thinking concept that the show continues to have resonance with audiences today. "Its complex characters and gritty storylines, coupled with the highly talented team and modern production techniques are sure to appeal to both original fans of the show and new viewers." Blake's 7 has been revived on radio but efforts to bring it back to the screen - including a Sky-backed return - have not got off the ground until now. http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/blakes-7-return-tv-screens-184354183.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Usual concerns about the casting but so looking forward to the remaking of this fantastic show http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/blakes-7-return-tv-screens-184354183.html It was a dreadful, hammy, low-budget affair that was an embarrassment for actors an viewers alike. I expect the remake will be an overblown, smug, self-satisfied up-it's own **** affair like the modern Dr. Who. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ologhai Jones Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I was young enough when it was first broadcast not to notice its shortcomings, and I loved it. Having become accustomed to Star Trek's 'only the unknowns in red shirts buy it', I can still clearly remember my shock and distress at the death of Gan. Coincidentally, we're working our way steadily through Blake's 7 on DVD; we're currently early in Series 2 (Gan's still alive!), and it is cheesy, but it still has enough about it to continue viewing and for us even to be enjoying it! Remakes/reboots can be good or bad or somewhere in between. Just because of my fondness and nostalgia for Blake's 7, though, I'm looking forward to seeing an up-to-date revision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Hovis Posted April 9, 2013 Author Share Posted April 9, 2013 I was young enough when it was first broadcast not to notice its shortcomings, and I loved it. Having become accustomed to Star Trek's 'only the unknowns in red shirts buy it', I can still clearly remember my shock and distress at the death of Gan. Coincidentally, we're working our way steadily through Blake's 7 on DVD; we're currently early in Series 2 (Gan's still alive!), and it is cheesy, but it still has enough about it to continue viewing and for us even to be enjoying it! Remakes/reboots can be good or bad or somewhere in between. Just because of my fondness and nostalgia for Blake's 7, though, I'm looking forward to seeing an up-to-date revision. It lost its way a bit after Blake left but series one and two were excellent and (apart from the fight scenes!) still stand up. The radio shows were excellent and it would be nice to see the two combined. On the radio the initial breakaway has a federation crew member (Mezin, India Fisher) adrift with the crew and that makes for an edge above the TV version. Shame 'Bart''s not here to give his opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Hovis Posted April 9, 2013 Author Share Posted April 9, 2013 It was a dreadful, hammy, low-budget affair that was an embarrassment for actors an viewers alike. I expect the remake will be an overblown, smug, self-satisfied up-it's own **** affair like the modern Dr. Who. Hamminess and low budgets were the norm in those days, it was like a mixture of film and theatre. As I parted company with Dr Who when they started doing it for cheap laughs I was pleased to rejoin it with Christopher Ecclestone running the show; miserable humourless Drs are just how it should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Masked Tulip Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Is Blake going to be gay or asexual? Will he have a big curly perm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horridbloke Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I'll believe it when I see it in the programme guide. There have been too many Blaker's 7 sequel and remake announcements over the last twenty-odd years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ologhai Jones Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 It lost its way a bit after Blake left but series one and two were excellent and (apart from the fight scenes!) still stand up. On rewatching it, I find that I'm not all that keen on the Blake character especially, but I still think Avon's great, and his being top-dog in Series 3 and 4 might be quite good for me as an adult viewer. At the time, I found the mystery of Blake's disappearance (in a show named after him), like the loss of other main characters, to be part of the programme's charm. If there's any way to have some of the originals involved in the reboot (especially Paul Darrow for me), that'd be fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ologhai Jones Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 On rewatching it, I find that I'm not all that keen on the Blake character especially, but I still think Avon's great, and his being top-dog in Series 3 and 4 might be quite good for me as an adult viewer. At the time, I found the mystery of Blake's disappearance (in a show named after him), like the loss of other main characters, to be part of the programme's charm. If there's any way to have some of the originals involved in the reboot (especially Paul Darrow for me), that'd be fun. I should add that I'm aware that Darrow was always a big Blake's 7 fan, and he's had a lot to do with trying to have it restarted over the years. Didn't he buy the rights at some point? So, I would've though that if the reboot folks asked Darrow to appear, he'd probably lap it up. (In fact, if he does still own some rights to the name or whatever, he may be involved in some capacity anyway.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Hovis Posted April 9, 2013 Author Share Posted April 9, 2013 I always thought that this was a spoof show, like Acorn Antiques. If it is fir real, it's the worst show to have ever been made in terms of acting and sets. You go too far Mr Fury :angry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okaycuckoo Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I always thought that this was a spoof show, like Acorn Antiques. If it is fir real, it's the worst show to have ever been made in terms of acting and sets. How dare you. I, Claudius was much worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigantic Purple Slug Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Used to love this as a kid. But watched some re-runs recently and the special effects were awful. It's like one of those toys that you remember fondly, then get a hold of one today and realise it is shite. A remake I think could work well. There were some good characters and the story was ok. Just so long as they don't film all the scenes in abandoned power stations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deflation Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I should add that I'm aware that Darrow was always a big Blake's 7 fan, and he's had a lot to do with trying to have it restarted over the years. Didn't he buy the rights at some point? So, I would've though that if the reboot folks asked Darrow to appear, he'd probably lap it up. (In fact, if he does still own some rights to the name or whatever, he may be involved in some capacity anyway.) I particularly liked Paul Darrow's dry style as presenter on the 2004 TV game show the Labours of Hercules. It was a sort of Superstars for real men. 5 to 6 hours at a time doing physical stuff against each other and against the clock. I think it was only on once but nobody else I know seems to remember it: http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Hercules According to his wiki entry, he did indeed buy the rights to the show, but at 71 (although a youthful looking one), I doubt he'll be in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bewildered_renter Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 ...I doubt he'll be in it. Sod that. Who have they got lined up to play Servelan? Only question that matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 It certainly was a bit "budget and hammy". Actually I quite liked it! A remake will have to be a bit more "cinematic", or it will fail! I would like Lolo Ferrari to play Madame Servalan, but unfortunately, she is now dead! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deflation Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 Confirmed by BBC: "Cult classic sci-fi series Blake's 7 is to be remade for the Syfy network, it has been announced. FremantleMedia International said 13 hour-long episodes will be written by Heroes writer Joe Pokaski." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22079232 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 Used to love this as a kid. But watched some re-runs recently and the special effects were awful. It's like one of those toys that you remember fondly, then get a hold of one today and realise it is shite. A remake I think could work well. There were some good characters and the story was ok. Just so long as they don't film all the scenes in abandoned power stations. Time to revive the BBC Gravel Pit, stand-in for planetay surfaces across the galaxy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Englebert Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 I always thought that this was a spoof show, like Acorn Antiques. If it is fir real, it's the worst show to have ever been made in terms of acting and sets. And just what the fuq do you know about television? You Knob. You can't even spell the word 'for'. I just cannot take you seriously, I'm sorry. P.S The irony is that I actually agree with you, BoltonFury on Blake's 7 - it's crap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Orange Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Bring back Bugs, that mid to late 1990s techno-thriller that was a cross between Spooks and Primeval. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Allegro Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Bring back Bugs, that mid to late 1990s techno-thriller that was a cross between Spooks and Primeval. Don't forget Space Cops, the late 80s series about British detectives in near-space, at one time billed as the replacement for Dr Who! Will the new Blake's 7 be shoehorning 'issues' into every character and episode? No doubt there will be some alien prison planet where innocent people have to wear orange uniforms etc etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsox Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Jenna Stannis, woof-woof Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saving For a Space Ship Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Don't forget Space Cops, the late 80s series about British detectives in near-space, at one time billed as the replacement for Dr Who! Will the new Blake's 7 be shoehorning 'issues' into every character and episode? No doubt there will be some alien prison planet where innocent people have to wear orange uniforms etc etc I thought space cops was terrible. Loved Blakes 7 despite it's props, the stories held up . oh Dayna How about a remake of 'The Invaders' ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe-OW9oIHGo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ked Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 I downloaded the four original Blake's 7 series a couple of months back and have been progressing through them. They are definitely hammy, and that power station set does get a bit repetitive, but it's still enjoyable. Charlie Brooker covered B7 fairly extensively in "How TV ruined your life" tonight, worth a watch.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsox Posted April 12, 2013 Share Posted April 12, 2013 We could ask Orac on the future of house prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpewLabour Posted April 12, 2013 Share Posted April 12, 2013 We could ask Orac on the future of house prices. Don't ask Zen or you'll get replies like "Wisdom must be gathered, it cannot be given". Might as well consult the I-Ching! I'm in 2 minds over the remake - I hope it's great, but I've got a feeling it's going to be like the remake of the Prisoner - a pale Americanised imitation of the real thing. Anyway I've got Series 1 on DVD to enjoy at the moment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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